DOCTORS should stop prescribing antibiotics for Fiji’s current influenza outbreak, with former Fiji College of General Practitioners president Dr Rajesh Maharaj warning that Benzathine injections are being wrongly demanded and prescribed for viral illnesses.
“Benzathine or Benza should not be given during this current influenza viral epidemics,” Dr Maharaj said.
He said antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Doxycycline and Ciprofloxacin were unnecessary for flu like illness, cough or fever, which was caused by a virus rather than bacteria.
Dr Maharaj said many Fijians had become accustomed to requesting Benza injections whenever they developed flu-like symptoms and were taking “Amoxil like lollies”.
He called for the intervention of the Ministry of Health.
“They will come and they’ll ask for Benza injection and that is very very wrong.
“If the doctor says that it is viral illness, then you do not need antibiotics.”
Dr Maharaj said Benzathine had only two appropriate indications — bacterial exudative tonsillitis and prophylaxis for rheumatic heart disease.
He said treatment for influenza was mainly supportive, including fluids, Panadol, rest and a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables and coconut water.
“This particular virus in fact is now causing epidemics in Fiji, in New Zealand, in Australia and a responsible doctor will not prescribe antibiotics.”
